On November 24, 2015, Ambassador David Shin talked about his recent book, “Hizmet in Africa: The Activities and Significance of the Gulen Movement” during a panel hosted by Rumi Forum at the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA). At this talk, the Ambassador spoke on the different chapters contained in his book and the topics that they touched on, as well as answered several questions regarding the book and the book’s topic.

The panel was opened by Emre Celik who is the President and CEO of Rumi Forum. Ambassador David Shin wrote the book as a result of several visits to many parts of Africa and as a project that he started as a result ofPresident Emre Celik’s suggestion. Throughout the research for the book, both President Emre Celik and Ambassador David Shin traveled to Turkey and Africa together many times. Even so, the writing and the editing of the book was the work of Ambassador David Shin, though with the help of President Emre Celik of Rumi Forum.

Some of the subjects that were touched on were the building and funding of schools in Africa that focused on a Hizmet inspired curriculum, the areas in which the Hizmet movement had large and small successes throughout Africa as well as the African government’s response to the Hizmet movement. The Ambassador also touched on the African people’s response to increased Turkish involvement in Africa as well as some of the possible reasons for the Hizmet movement’s popularity in some parts of Africa versus a more limited popularity in other parts.

About us

Rumi Forum was founded in 1999 with the mission to foster intercultural dialogue, stimulate thinking and exchange of opinions on supporting and fostering democracy and peace and to provide a common platform for education and information exchange. The Forum contributes to this ultimate aim by means of conferences, panel discussions, community engagement, luncheons, publications and other activities. In particular the forum has an interest in issues regarding pluralism, peace building and conflict resolution, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, social harmony and justice, civil rights and community cohesion.

Copyright Notice.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any material including images, videos, audio and text without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rumi Forum with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. All rights reserved